2023 Toyota GR Corolla Review - Road Legal Rally Car!

I didn't fall in love with the GR Corolla the first time I drove one in Vegas. Let's see if it feels any different on my home road on a rainy day!
Diondre's IG accounts:
/ dre._.gr
/ a.o.g_official_
Follow me on IG: / zygrene

[@mr2death]

The GR Corolla definitely looks more at home in the wet slippery Twisties. It's a Modern day rally mobile. That's what makes it fun and so expensive. Great review 👍🏼

[@darrenprior6339]

I own a GR Yaris. The Corolla just seems like a bigger, heavier version of it. I'd definitely agree that the car is no lightning ship in acceleration but the car feels like it gives everything it's got to the cause and I love that about it.Must say, the car's lack of willingness to get the back end out is a bit of a disappointment but that doesn't mean you can't scare yourself silly with a spirited punt and the great thing about the car is that the worse the road gets, the better the car performs. Totally different experience on the dirt though. It becomes a proper rally drifter. I've ordered a Morizo Corolla just to see how it compares with my Yaris but I suspect that I'll be keeping the Yaris just because it's smaller, lighter and more bespoke in its design and construction. Thanks for the video. I appreciate your perspectives

[@mattyoz0]

As an owner myself, i agree.

[@hyd119]

I remember reading about this. The chief developer said that the GR Yaris is smaller and narrower as the roads of Europe are just as so. Toyota wanted the GR Corolla to be bigger as America is so huge and Morizo wanted the GR Corolla to be more rowdy for the American market. I think that the turbo lag is a gift seeing as rally anti-lag turbocharger setup tends to kill turbos. It comes on strong reminds me of the dangerous Group B rally cars like the Ford RS200.

[@mattyoz0]

@@hyd119 load of shit.

[@coldvaper]

Not sure any markup is acceptable for this or any other car in the range, it defeats the purpose. Still not sure which I would buy the FL5 R or this both have pros and cons. If the type R was a significantly smaller/lighter car I would probably go with the type R despite it being FWD but because both are so close, I am leaning toward the AWD. I civics should not be as big as they are now....

[@bokiNYC]

Agree 100% 👍

[@antonakis79ohyes]

Man, I have been following your channel for years. I gotta put it out there: best reviews, imo. Honest, detailed, complete.. You deserve more audience for sure! Keep it up!👍

[@Zygrene]

I appreciate that!

[@gend21]

Had to go back to this after picking up my 2024 Ice Cap CE about two weeks ago!

[@shehandesilva7530]

Great review! I've seen some articles about people getting burnt trying to flip these and Type Rs with markup...hopefully that's a sign that there isn't much appetite for that kind of behavior. I'd say up to $4-5k of markup is something you can live with, even though it sucks. $10k+ is ridiculous. Like you said, at over $50k there are too many other options that become more tempting than this.

[@liudxdx]

I paid 6k was the cheapest one within 200 miles. 4-7k is fair

[@brz.oph1]

Been waiting for this video

[@ovidiscool]

Got mine for 5k adm. To me still worth. I wanna say if you are a true toyota fan boy and driving enthusiast above all else. this is the car to have. It is quite special to be driving a full toyota built hot hatch with a homoligation rally engine and awd system. Who dosnt love center axis donuts and a decoupling rear end when you pull the E-brake!

[@Cats_Are_Scary]

You up in the backroads of Mount Diablo? I have a 2020 STI and had a few fun trips through those roads.

[@jubbalandcars]

Great review brother

[@CM-yy9bc]

How is the tune on this car? Any dips in power on the way to redline? Does it rev out smoothly similar to an na engine? Is the throttle pedal overly sensitive?

[@ebersolejoshua]

Paying any markup is ridiculous, it totally defeats the purpose of it being an economy class hot hatch, it is already expensive at $40K optioned up, the dealer is making close to $3k over invoice and hold back, plus if financing and trading they could make a few grand there too. That dealer made off with at least $16k, that's absurd, sad, and should be illegal, as it is in Canada. I have my name in at three dealers doing MSRP.

[@tonychau1983]

Works both ways when cars were plentiful no one complained about get thousands off. Just gotta hold off till it returns to normal.

[@ebersolejoshua]

@@tonychau1983 This is the new normal and will only get worse as resource constraints, demographics, and trade realities become realized more fully by the market place. I question whether this car will even be able to be made ten years from now given Japan's demographics and access to resources, at least in any affordable form.

[@tonychau1983]

@@ebersolejoshua everything goes in cycles.

[@Inalielsa]

I feel lucky in Australia, we have both GR Yaris and Corolla and illegal to sell new cars with mark up. I own a GR Yaris.

[@stwest79]

Any other 4 door sporty cars available at the 50-60k price point? Fl5 has markup. Golf r has a weird infotainment. RS3 is 60k+ and isn’t available at dealers on the west coast and sounds like the next allocation arrive in April/may. Kia stinger Gt2 is pretty big and heavy.

[@dougmaverick3287]

I'm so glad I won't be paying a single penny in markup for my GRC, as it's not legal to do so in Canada. And the ironic thing is we don't have pennies anymore in Canada.😜 I really feel bad for all you gents Stateside who have to pay those ridiculous mark-ups. I was actually pissed off that my dealership was charging me $399 in document fees, but I guess that's nothing compared to $13,000.

[@hasonlavajunk9774]

You won’t pay over MSRP in Canada, but that dealer will definitely make you pay thousands in bogus accessories. So it’s the same thing as here in the States.

[@dougmaverick3287]

@@hasonlavajunk9774 Actually no. In the States you guys get screwed with unnecessary dealer options so you get screwed actually twice with adm and unnecessary options. Our cars only come one spec here, no unnecessary options. No performance pack, no cold weather pack, no technology pack. Our cars come with the options I prefer, limited-slip differentials and heated seats. All good.

[@hasonlavajunk9774]

@@dougmaverick3287 actually yes, I’ve spoke to people in Canada, and you guys are getting screwed over too. Nice try, no need to brag about your country, it’s not any better than here.

[@dougmaverick3287]

@@hasonlavajunk9774 With the current exchange rates we pay far less than you guys do in the states for our cars. You guys are getting royally screwed with adm's ranging from $5,000-$15,000. Which is utterly ridiculous for Corolla. Sorry you lose my friend. I've heard that Toyota includes a tube of KY Jelly with every gr Corolla sold in the States since you guys get screwed up the ass.

[@MaddNomad1015]

@@hasonlavajunk9774 there’s a dealer in Canada that’s doing some crazy stuff like that. Check the forums. Lmao

[@harveysimmonds8936]

Pretty amazing to see that america has twisty roads too, great review!

[@nootology]

California has lots of mountains so we probably have hundreds if not thousands of miles of amazing driving roads!

[@bouyeuxalexandre2504]

short and informative. thank you

[@cjaevillanueva4964]

which road is this? looking for new bay area roads 💪🏽

[@ral8672]

Thank you for letting dealers know people are paying 13k markup, 13k down the drain.

[@tyhyhh]

the markup is just sad cars worth 40k all day long but 50k yeah no way hopefully we can get these markups undercontrol but i doubt it im sure they are here to stay

[@jacksonhui581]

What roads are these in the bay?

[@dsher503]

Great review. Always fun to see how you gently say the owner was crazy to pay over 50k for this car lol. Would you take a GR Corolla at msrp new or a used Focus RS with low miles for around 35k. I had and loved an RS but am curious how you think they compare as it’s impossible right now to find a GRC to test drive. Thanks!

[@Zygrene]

I would definitely take the GR Corolla over a used Focus RS. Better seating position, driving inputs, and Toyota reliability.

[@dsher503]

@@Zygrene I appreciate the response. Looks like I'll sit tight until I can test drive a GR when they're able to meet demand a bit better. I'll be curious to see how the aftermarket develops for the Corolla as well. Thanks!

[@Buddhaoutoftown]

Gr not xle

[@DairyKing404]

@@Zygrene The suspension is better for daily use too. The Focus RS suspension is stiiiiiff.

[@pchae1]

when are you going to compare it to the S2K?

[@xinning811]

It is a great review that really talks about the car’s dynamics and driver feelings. Most of the gr Yaris and gr Corolla reviews only yell it is a road legal homologation rally car!

[@MaddNomad1015]

GR Corolla is not a homologated rally car. Lol

[@thomaswyatt199]

So basically the car is ff drive and power only goes to rear if the fronts lose grip ?. I was hoping that it would be like a subaru sti and have fulltime awd and the power ratio locks in 100% of the time especially at this price point. it not a car that likes to play it's safe on the limit and always in control love to see it in some snow to see if it would drift around or fight it.

[@K86UP]

Nice Video. You mentioned the pedal spacing not being optimal, but did you try the auto rev matching (switchable)? The only downside I heard (?) is that if you miss shift ie. 4th to 2nd on redline it will still revmatch and you will blow the engine! No bueno. Perhaps this will get fixed with a factory ECU update,if it is fixable.

[@Zygrene]

I tried the auto rev match off camera and it worked fine, but I prefer blipping the throttle myself

[@NDEEZMiata]

Has nothing to do with the ECU, if you miss-shift, it's a mechanical over-rev.

[@Akatsukihi]

Shame you guys in the US didnt get the GR yaris would have loved to hear your opinion on that. Awaiting a manual gr supra from you

[@Zygrene]

Getting a manual GR Supra press car in 3 weeks. Stay tuned!

[@brOblio]

Great review. I’ve got a deposit down on a Circuit Edition. I’m impatiently waiting for them to inform me of the inevitable ridiculous markup so I can just move on and get a different car for around the same price. The absolute max I would do is 4k above MSRP. Maybe 5 but probably not. Especially since they are going to most likely do another run and fix a lot of things and add some stuff. I really want this thing cause it’s awesome and practical. For 50k+ I can get a different cool car like an M2 comp or a older Lotus Evora and worry about winter when it comes back around. Or just wait for the next run when hopefully the upgrades from the Morizo trickle down to the other siblings. I’m still upset they nerfed the Core and Circuit. They would have been able to sell the Morizo with ease even if the other two had the same torque and the better tires optional.

[@conquryourfear]

i put 2k down for a CE as well. but I locked in the price at 44.3k. like you, still waiting though.

[@Buddhaoutoftown]

But that Beamer is a money pit in regard to fixing lol will end up paying more than that 50k u “thought” it wash 😢

[@brOblio]

@@Buddhaoutoftown True. The engine in that car is said to be a lot more reliable than the older engines. It’s more about the principle. Even if the BMW was reliable, it would definitely cost far more to maintain.

[@brOblio]

@@conquryourfear Good luck

[@sanzserif]

Good luck finding a low mileage m2c under 58k.

[@dougmaverick3287]

If you had to choose between the only 2 current, awd, manual transmission hot hatches on sale today, the GR Corolla or the VW manual Golf R, which would you choose and why? Pros & cons of each?

[@Zygrene]

Exactly why I'd like to film this comparison. MK8 R owners let me know!

[@dougmaverick3287]

@@Zygrene How does the ride quality of the GRC compare to the Veloster N, Focus RS, MK7 Golf R, Type-R? I'm asking because I can't take a really firm, harsh ride.

[@dougmaverick3287]

@@JacesOwnWorld I'm in Canada, there are no markups here. I test drove a Mk7 & Mk7.5 Golf R and liked both, but they lack the edge of the GRC. Also, Golf R's are very common, and will depreciate a lot. I think the GR Corollas will hold their values much more, and I prefer the rally car look of the GRC. Also there's little to no doubt that the gr Corolla will be a more reliable car being a Toyota than the VW.

[@kp4294]

subscribed, I like the presentation. U get to the point bang bang bang, u look clam and you can explain how the car feel more than any other top channel.

[@thomaskong5]

Bro $13k ADM 😂😂😂😂😂. That’s an L.

[@dsher503]

Whoever pays anywhere near that much better keep the car for a long time because the resale of these is gonna be terrible if they paid so much adm. Insane people will pay this for a Corolla. If you have an internet connection, there are so many other way cooler/better cars than this for 50k.

[@doubledown8229]

I hate dealing with dealerships. They're the most dishonest people I've ever experienced in my life.

[@MaddNomad1015]

@@dsher503 It’s those people who wanted to be the cool kid on the block having the car first. They definitely aren’t keeping the car. Lmao

[@davidryder5082]

@@MaddNomad1015 I don't care what other's pay and I don't understand why it's a problem for others. If they want it and can afford it then good for them. I haven't paid mark-up for anything yet. Walked away from 2018 type r because of it. If you wait long enough and search should be able to find one at sticker. Might take several years though. If you had a used car that was worth x amount wouldn't you want to get more for it than book value? I always have when selling or trading my vehicles. Capitalism

[@MaddNomad1015]

@@davidryder5082 I never said anything about that. I’m just stating most of these people paying a premium is because they want the car first for attention, and they’re most likely not going to keep it when the next shiny thing comes along. That’s how all new car releases usually go.

[@GRC_Lexxlr8]

Noticed some slight curb rash on a rim there. I also acquired some curb rash on mine. Was getting Taco Bell😶

[@dgnwd]

Always that rear passenger rim. I shamefully learned about how tight the turning radius is while going slow in a parking lot.

[@dominicdalicandro7884]

The Dealership I have my deposit at is only allowed to add $1500 MAX after MSRP. Cant wait to get my hands on one

[@acarenthusiast3036]

Which road is this? I'm looking for good driving roads in the Bay Area.

[@pelayo1009]

Pinehurst road near Oakland is a gem.

[@Cjudes]

I paid MSRP for a 2024 GR Corolla Premium and I’m loving every minute of it! I would never pay over MSRP but if someone else does, WHO CARES!

[@GeneCAu]

Why not just get a 2008 sti hatchback ?

[@conquryourfear]

real nice brother.

[@hyphydan]

$39,000 + all those options + $13,000! Thats like those dudes who paid $80,000 for a Nissan Z.

[@Unicornpirate]

I wouldn't pay a dime over msrp for a GR Corolla or Civic Type R. No way are those cars worth the markup. I wouldn't wanna be that guy driving around knowing I paid 50k for a Civic or Corolla. MSRP sure but say no to dealer markups. The more people who support that, the more they will price gouge you.

[@10secdream]

Nice honest review. I don't think any markup is worth it.

[@Buddhaoutoftown]

Then all the Brokies will buy them.. ruins the image of such a Rally champ like gr

[@rastradamus1074]

@@Buddhaoutoftown hot hatches were originally built for brokies🤡. And real rich people dont buy corolla🤡 lol

[@JohnSmith-yr6je]

This or evo x, Sti, Audi s model, or Acura shawd tl?

[@Zygrene]

All fascinating comparisons that would be fun to film. I don't imagine the TL would stand a chance though.

[@JohnSmith-yr6je]

@@Zygrene I gotcha. Yeah I always wondered which awd car would be the best. I know some awd models have brake vectoring like sti and Gr Corolla while some use torque vectoring to give power to the outside wheels. But most that do like evo and Acura are fwd biased at first and are reactive rather than instant to send power to the rear. The sti and Gr Corolla are instant to rear. Anyways long reply but really appreciate the vids man! Always do a great job!

[@CM-yy9bc]

Thanks for the excellent content as always, but shame shame shame on the owner for playing the adm game 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Motteronlol]

Is this on mines road?

[@avery4528]

I wanna see someone take this on a rally course like a Subaru.

[@kp4294]

Subscribed you can explain how the car feel more than other top channels

[@grahmdoughty]

Hoping you also drove that EN in the background!

[@Zygrene]

Yup, stay tuned!

[@jayforjessica]

Nice jacket

[@lucienpetrus9432]

Damn she's beautiful 😍 Cape Town South Africa

[@dancingcalcium]

Test a subaru s209 in these conditions!

[@rjhick1]

No markup is reasonable but sadly thats not realistic. You don't really have that much of a choice if you want to get one

[@carlstrohm3785]

13K over?!?! WTF!!!! That is not a sign of the times, it's a sign of the ridiculous greed of dealers. STOP PAYING OVER STICKER PEOPLE! They will NEVER stop if consumers keep doing it. We have the power to control them. Don't buy over sticker and they won't sell over sticker. It's that simple.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Markup is just a reflection of availability. I've seen other dealers who will pay a markup just to have the vehicle available for their own inventory. Without markup all the available inventory might be in Los Angeles or other metropolitan area.

[@ivesdotcom247]

No markup is the most reasonable

[@TheConfused5Gang]

marin windys are the best

[@mengx94]

"Never abused, pulls hard"

[@tinhinnh]

Nice thumbnail

[@Zygrene]

Photo credit: @jubbalandcars

[@zackdl]

I think a $5K markup is reasonable. I’d pay no more than that over sticker though.

[@mark_845]

I think no mark up is reasonable 🙃

[@ProdicalMan]

Paying $13K over MSRP is not a "sign of the times," sorry. It's either impatience or stupidity. That being said, it sounds like he purchased it more so for his business and that makes the markup a little less painful.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

that car seems to be buitl for roads like these!

[@billshoe22191]

No markup is reasonable. Why have negative equity the second you drive the car off the lot. Buyer is an idiot. He is the problem

[@liudxdx]

Would still pick the Corolla over the supra even if the supra is cheaper, two doors no trunk space no thank you

[@abcdLeeXY]

Deandre is the type of guy who watches his girlfriend kissing another guy and call it an entanglement

[@z32luvr]

I can’t get into the looks and especially the interior.

[@coreyegan6751]

$52k for a car that looks like a corolla and sounds like weed Trimmer. 🤣 You can't make this stuff up!

[@tylertullis6536]

Paying a $13k markup for this.. Yikes 🤣🤣🤣

[@DeathMetalAsian]

Rip to actual affordable sports cars worth anything. You can hardly get anything cool for under $30k now, and if you want anything really exciting it’s gonna be $40k+. And then for them to tack on ADM, just shameless

[@ShaiyanHossain]

tbh its also a result of inflation- the average new car transaction is $45k. so a $40k GR Corolla MSRP as seen here seems "affordable"

[@DeathMetalAsian]

@@ShaiyanHossain I won’t even get into wages versus inflation over time 😂 that may be “average” now but it’s a long stretch from “affordable” for most Americans

[@NDEEZMiata]

Camaro SS 1LE or a 50k GR Corolla....oof.

[@TheChannel1978]

Lost interest when I heard about it costing 50k

[@cheesycroissants]

Over 50k over a Corolla.. sheesh 😖😖

[@Buddhaoutoftown]

GR not xle

[@cheesycroissants]

@@Buddhaoutoftown yea…. Corolla

[@Buddhaoutoftown]

@jacesownworld didn’t know corollas had 300 hp and wrc level awd ..

[@MaddNomad1015]

@@Buddhaoutoftown that AWD is not the same AWD they used in WRC man or anything close to what they were gonna use before. Lol

[@30hours51]

@@MaddNomad1015 not the same, only share the same name tho. WRC's GR 4 has no center diff

[@jorgeizDShiznit]

First!

[@fkhothatchi]

Gr corolla over Zupra any time of the day! even if ts marked up at 60k it will be an easy choice to make, you can do so much more in the corolla than the Zupra

[@hhaste]

Terrible take. 60K, easy choice??? 🤣🤣lmao.

[@fkhothatchi]

@@hhaste if you ask me whether to spend my money on a 60k zupra vs a marked up GR corolla 60K easy choice corolla it i, its far superior car than zupra in any aspect except making more power, it has more space, can sit more people, better gas mileage will hold more value and rarer in the future, you can drive it in any weather. you can even drift it with proper mods people in japan have been drifting the gr yaris. so to me its an easy choice

[@thisguy2989]

@@fkhothatchi lmao you gotta be trolling

[@fkhothatchi]

@@thisguy2989 lol to each their own bottom line I'd choose the Corolla over the Zupra any time of the day period

[@nemesis9410]

The fact that they removed the hand rest is just so mind bogginly stupid